By Erin Garvey Executive director of Californians for Technology & Video Choice
When the California States Assembly passed AB 2987, they did so with the understanding that it will bring competition, lower prices and improved services for all Californians. In fact, the bill passed the Assembly with a 77-0 vote showing unanimous bi-partisan support as it enters the State Senate.
Despite cable’s unsubstantiated rhetoric that AB 2987 will not bring lower prices and will take away from services offered to the consumer, it’s obvious to the rest of us that they are merely trying to hold onto their decades old monopoly of the industry. Additionally, the state-of-the-art technology that will be offered through fiber optic video systems is necessary to serve the needs of the future.
The Digital and Video Competition Act of 2006 (AB 2987) is in the best interest of everyone not directly associated with cable. All one has to do is look at the current situation in Keller, Texas. Since FiOS was introduced as competition for cable, people have received an influx of new technology while prices have fallen as much as 25 percent from their original bill.
That’s why a broad base of supporters of AB 2987 includes business groups like the California Business Roundtable, the California Chamber of Commerce and the L.A. Chamber of Commerce and labor organizations such as the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 19, 2006. Read the original PDF.